Quick-acting deputies prevent suicide of inmate at Humboldt County jail

Share this:

The following is a press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

Two correctional deputies and a court services bailiff saved an inmate’s life Wednesday afternoon.

On April 24, 2019, at about 3:30 p.m. a Humboldt County Correctional Facility male inmate had just finished a court hearing and was returning back to his dorm within the facility. Facility inmates in good behavioral standing are regularly self-escorted to and from court appearances within a secure area of the facility. Inmate movement within the facility is remotely monitored by correctional staff.

Upon leaving his court hearing, the inmate failed to follow self-escort procedure and approached a linear-style cell utilized for holding inmates awaiting court. The inmate used jail issued clothing in an attempt to take his own life at the cell via hanging. Court Services Correctional Deputy Colby Henson observed the inmate’s actions on the facility’s monitoring system and called for immediate assistance. Correctional Deputy Avila-Garcia was first to arrive on scene and held the inmate up until further help arrived. Court Services Bailiff Ron Sligh was second to arrive on scene and assisted Correctional Deputy Avila-Garcia by climbing the linear cell and freeing the inmate.

The inmate was evaluated by medical staff on scene and was uninjured from the incident. If it were not for the quick actions of Sheriff’s Office staff, this incident could have had a tragic outcome.

The Sheriff’s Office commends Deputies Henson, Avila-Garcia and Sligh for their life-saving actions.